re: Just got a 24ft boat and have never been offshore fishing

Launch at Bridgeside on Grand Isle. Run SSE until you hit 50+ feet of water - about 8 miles. Stop at the closest rig. You can hook to it or just drift next to it. Drop a chunk of dead pogey to the bottom using a carolina rig with a 6 oz weight and 5/0 circle hook. Use a 60 lb. monofilament leader. Put this rig on This Combo from Cabelas Not the best rod/reel in the world, but will catch your limit of snapper for you (two). Shouldn't take more than 2-3 drops for you to have a limit.

Eta: As others have said, respect the gulf. Only go if its dead calm and there are no storms in the area. Keep a close eye on the sky. Make sure all of your safety equipment is functioning - and that you know how to use it. Life jackets, VHF, GPS, Epirb, and flares.

Good Luck